Course Catalog 2007-2008

Associate Professor James R. Pletcher, Chair

Professor Emmett H. Buell, Jr.; Associate Professors Paul A. Djupe, Andrew Z. Katz, James R. Pletcher; Assistant Professors Eric Boehme, Katy Crossley-Frolick, Sue Davis, Academic Secretary Christy Trager

A student majoring in Political Science is required to take nine courses distributed in the following manner:

In addition, the following rules apply:

A student minoring in Political Science is required to take six courses distributed in the following manner:

In addition, the following rules apply:

The Richard G. Lugar Program in Politics and Public Service. the section called “Lugar Program (concentration only)”

Other Programs. The Political Science Department participates in the interdepartmental major in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). The department also participates in the interdisciplinary International Studies program.

Introductory Topics in Political Science (POSC-199).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

American Political Behavior and Institutions (POSC-202).  Usually, more than one section of this introductory course on American government is offered each semester, and the content varies by instructor. Professor Buell takes a historical approach that emphasizes the development of each branch of the national government from the founding of the Republic to the present day, while Professor Djupe takes a holistic approach, focusing on social and political context, institutions, significant political actors, and policy outputs. Buell, Djupe. 4

Selected Topics in Political Science (POSC-203).  This course permits the investigation of significant political problems at the introductory level, and will vary in content according to the interest of the instructor. Staff. 4

Introduction to American Political Thought (POSC-204).  An introduction to the different theoretical dimensions characteristic of American political experience. Emphasis will be placed on examining the meaning of American constitutionalism, exploring the development and transformation of American liberalism and conservatism, analyzing the relationship between theories of democracy and elitism, and interpreting the historical development and transformation of American capitalism. Boehme. 4

Introduction to Concepts in Political Philosophy (POSC-205).  This course is designed to introduce students to normative political theory by teaching students how to do normative political theory, rather than by studying the ideas of different political theorists. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of important moral and political concepts, and on the problems involved in providing a moral justification of political conduct in terms of diverse sets of value perspectives. The objective of the course is to introduce students to normative political argument and as such, to create an understanding of precisely what is involved in reasoning and arguing about politics from normative philosophical foundation. Boehme. 4

Constitutional Law and its Practices (POSC-207).  This course examines the basic principles of the U.S. Constitutional framework from an interdisciplinary perspective. What is the purpose and function of the law in society? How does the legal process work through precedents, legal reasoning and case law? What are civil rights and civil liberties? This course also teaches the skills of practicing the law, including how to write a legal brief and how to present oral argument in a legal setting. As part of the practical component of this course, all students will be required to participate with the Denison Moot Court team. The team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of two specific constitutional issues, and present oral argument at regional and national competitions of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association. Boehme. 4

Analyzing Politics (POSC-212).  This course introduces students to the discipline of political science as a bridge to upper level courses. Basic definitions, fundamental concepts, and various approaches used in the empirical study of politics are discussed. The course acquaints students with how political scientists think about studying society and provides a basis for more sophisticated research and understanding of empirical political theory, as well as skills for systematically analyzing political and social issues. Students will explore and use statistics and quantitative methods in the lab to address substantive research questions. S. Davis, Djupe. 4

Introduction to Comparative Politics of Developed States (POSC-221).  This course will introduce students to the politics of the major constitutional democracies of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Much of the course will focus upon politics of individual countries, the course will also seek to compare political phenomena across and look at some conceptual and theoretical issues that these systems have in common. Political parties, political forces and interests, representation, elections, executives, bureaucracy and ethnicity will be among the subjects of comparative analysis. S. Davis. 4

Comparative Politics of Developing Nations (POSC-222).  This course explores problems of stability, development and democracy in developing nations by employing basic concepts of comparative politics. Course discussions and readings will focus on concepts and will apply these to case studies drawn from Latin America, Africa and Asia. Emphasis will be placed on learning analytic skills through essay examinations and papers. Pletcher. 4

Introduction to International Politics (POSC-242).  This course provides an introduction to both the language used to describe international politics and the ways relationships between actors on the world stage may be analyzed. Relying on history and contemporary events to illuminate key concepts, we cover the causes of war and peace, the role of economics in international affairs and the place of morality in statecraft. This course is recommended for advanced study in the areas of international relations and foreign policy. Katz, Pletcher. 4

Intermediate Topics in Political Science (POSC-299).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

The Development of Political Thought-Ancient (POSC-302).  An introduction to classical Greek and Roman thought through the works of the Greek tragedians, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Augustine. This course involves intensive textual analysis and a study of the history, economics, law, and culture of the ancient world. Finally, we will judge the moral and political legacy of the ancients by addressing contemporary debates about democracy, citizenship, power, and the rule of law. Boehme. 4

The Development of Political Thought - From Machiavelli to Mill (POSC-303).  An introduction to the peculiar moral and political problems of modernity through the texts of thinkers from Machiavelli to Mill. This class examines intellectual and historical trends in early modern political theory using Machiavelli's work as the hinge between ancient and modern understandings of power, real politics, republicanism, and the law. This course analyzes the texts of modern thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Burke, or Mill to investigate the historical development of liberal, conservative and radical thought. Boehme. 4

The Development of Political Thought: Marx to Present (POSC-304).  An introduction to issues and texts in contemporary political theory beginning with the work of Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud. This class examines the legacy of these late modern thinkers through the texts and historical discourse of the German post-idealist and French post-modernist traditions on the one hand, and the Anglo-American traditions of pragmatism and liberalism on the other. This course also investigates the challenges to modern theories of democracy, power and law, by contemporary thinkers in social theory, feminism, and post-colonial studies. Boehme. 4

Politics of the Third World (POSC-308).  This course explores the politics of developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America in their historical socioeconomic contexts. The goals of the course include familiarizing students with the details of politics in selected countries and understanding important concepts of political science by applying them to the case study countries. Emphasis will be placed on using concepts and theories to analyze and critique arguments. No prior knowledge of the developing world is required. However, students will be expected to identify and analyze issues germane to the developing world, read and critique systematically, form and defend arguments and opinions, conduct independent library research, pose researchable questions, and discuss readings and research findings in class. Pletcher. 4

Political Organizations in the U.S (POSC-311).  "Democracy is unthinkable save in terms of the parties." Yet, some, including the Founding Fathers, have been less sure of Schattschneider's truism, warning of the mischiefs of faction. Political organization, however, by most accounts has been the engine and structure of American democracy throughout its two centuries. Parties, interest groups, and social movements have formed and acted to create and insure that American democracy truly is of, by, and for the people. In the course, we will investigate the formation, maintenance, and death of political organizations, the effectiveness and representative nature of political organizations, the strategies and resources of organizations, as well as recent challenges by such factors as increased individualism, media, technology and money. Organizations considered may include: the Republican, Democratic, and third parties; major interest groups such as the Sierra Club, AARP, NRA, Christian Coalition, Chamber of Commerce, and unions; and social movements such as the women's, civil rights, and Christian conservative movements. Djupe. 4

Religion and Politics in U.S. (POSC-312).  This course offers an intensive analysis of the many connections between the American religious and political systems. Students will first consider religion's historical role in shaping American political culture. Other topics to be covered include the constitutional relationship between church and state, the religious dimensions of American political behavior, religious influences on political institutions and decision makers, religious interests group activity and its impact on public policy, and the salience of religious factors in contemporary politics. Djupe. 4

American Political Behavior (POSC-313).  This course focuses on the involvement of the public in American political processes. We will address such questions as: Why do citizens vote? For whom do they vote? How else do citizens involve themselves in the political process and why? What does the public think about political issues? What forces can change the nature, concerns, and behavior of the electorate? What are the prospects for a workable participatory democracy in America? The course is geared toward the conduct of statistically-based research on substantive problems in American political behavior. Djupe. 4

American Public Policy (POSC-315).  This course is designed to explore issues, processes, and outcomes in U.S. public policy through the use of various tools of analysis and evaluation. The course emphasizes understanding of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation from political, rational, and ethical perspectives and their application to current policies, which may include education, welfare, defense, healthcare, energy, environmental protection, crime, and equal opportunity. POSC 202 is a prerequisite of this course. Djupe. 4

The Politics of Congress (POSC-319).  This course examines the influence of such important historical, institutional, and political factors on the workings of Congress as separation of powers, bicameralism, chamber size, permanent committees, partisanship, and party leadership. We pay particular attention to chamber differences in legislative process, to changes in that process responsive to partisan polarization and other contextual factors, and to relations between the executive and legislative branches. POSC 202 is a prerequisite for this course. Buell. 4

The American Presidency (POSC-320).  This course focuses on the history of the presidency with particular attention to the origins, development, and exercise of executive powers. We also examine writings on the character, policies, reputation, and rhetoric of individual presidents; presidential management of the executive branch; and presidential leadership of Congress. Note that a separate course -- POSC-321 -- covers the nomination and election of American presidents. POSC-202 is a prerequisite for this course unless waived by instructor's consent. Buell. 4

Selecting the President (POSC-321).  Divided into three parts, this course deals with party nominations of presidential candidates, general election campaigns and ratification of the general election outcome by the electoral college. We spend most of our time on presidential nominating politics, beginning with the history of presidential nominations from what the founders intended to the front-loaded, primary-dominated, media- and money-driven system currently in use. Some of the topics examined in depth include scheduling of presidential primaries and caucuses, campaign finance, media coverage of campaigns, divisive primaries, the national nominating convention, voting behavior in primaries and in the general election, and the perennial debate between critics and defenders of the electoral college. When possible, the course includes direct observation of candidates and campaigns. No prerequisites. This course counts toward the fulfillment of Lugar program requirements. Buell. 4

Politics of Russia (POSC-322).  This course focuses on contemporary Russian politics with some reference to post-Soviet states. Because Russian politics cannot be understood in the absence of historical context, the course will devote some time to the Tsarist and Soviet periods. Most of the course deals with the Russian Federation under presidents Yeltsin and Putin. Constitutional debates, federalism, ethnic issues, political struggles, the Chechen war, changing relations with the U.S. and NATO, and more will be covered, as well as executive, legislative, and judicial institutions. S. Davis. 4

Politics in Eastern Europe (POSC-323).  This course focuses on the political choices and dramatic changes occurring in the region since 1989. Some history will be necessary to understand these developments. The rest of the course examines contemporary politics in eastern and central Europe, with a focus on the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and two other countries chosen by the class. We also look at democracy, representation, institutional change, ethnic issues, political struggle, foreign policy, civil war in Yugoslavia, the Kosovo crisis, the plight of gypsies, and more. S. Davis. 4

Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa (POSC-324).  This course explores contemporary issues in African political systems from a variety of theoretical perspectives. These issues include: political stability, democracy, economic development, and structural adjustment. No prior knowledge of Africa is required, but students should be prepared to read detailed analytic and historical contexts with a view to applying their insights to contemporary problems. Pletcher. 4

Ethnic Conflict/Ethnic Peace (POSC-325).  This course will help students comprehend the nature of ethnic conflict, as well as understand why some multiethnic states avoid ethnic wars while others do not. Using two sets of case studies, the course contrasts ethnic war in Yugoslavia and Chechnya with peaceful resolution of ethnic issues in Czechoslovakia and Tatarstan. We also look to Northern Ireland, the Kurds, Uighurs, Basques, and other groups for a more nuanced view of "ethnic conflict." S. Davis. 4

America in Vietnam (POSC-326).  The seminar will illuminate the key controversies of the Vietnam experience and trace their persistence in American politics, foreign policy and military strategy. The course will trace the development of U.S. military and diplomatic policy regarding Vietnam, assess the various lessons attributed to the Vietnam experience, and consider how application of these lessons has altered American's attitudes toward interventionism. Katz. 4

The Middle East in World Affairs (POSC-327).  The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the political history, international significance, and the dimensions of political life in the Middle East. Owing to the ever-present potential for conflict, the seeming intractability of disputes, and the oil factor, what happens in the Middle East is of vital importance to international politics. We examine the role that politics in the Middle East has played in world affairs as well as the region's importance in the future. Katz. 4

Politics of the Global Environment (POSC-328).  This course is about the theoretical, political, and practical problems associated with environmental action. Course materials analyze various theoretical perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature, and they illustrate how different ethics lead to widely different prescriptions for personal and political action. Course materials also offer examples of how environmental problems have in fact been addressed or not by governmental, non-governmental, and international institutions. This is not a course on the physical processes of environmental problems, but rather it emphasizes the political, economic, and theoretical contexts within which efforts are made to act on environmental threats. No prior knowledge of environmental or political science is required. However, students should be prepared to read and interpret detailed social science texts, to formulate and articulate cogent arguments, and to conduct independent research. Pletcher. 4

Transitions to Democracy (POSC-330).  The last quarter of the 20th century saw a sharp increase in the number of countries with democratic political systems. This course explores the politics and the circumstances of these transitions to democracy. It addresses questions such as: What accounted for this growth? Why the sudden and dramatic shift to democratic forms of governance? What did these transitions look like? Who were the key protagonists? The course examines several case studies from Latin America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Central America, Asia and Africa. Crossley-Frolick. 4

International Organizations and Global Governance (POSC-344).  The founding of public international organizations represent an attempt to bring order to an unruly international system. International organizations are formal institutions established by states to address global problems. They include not only the United Nations but also many other public or private, international, national or local, formal or unformal institutions. Collectively, these institutions engage in global governance. Our goals in this course are to understand the theoretical and practical approaches to international organizations and global governance, the limitations under which global governance operates, and the future prospects for a system of global governance. Crossley-Frolick. 4

The Supreme Court and the Political Process (POSC-350).  This course focuses on the political role and impact of Supreme Court decisions on American politics. It also examines the institutional development of the federal court system, original and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, presidential nomination of federal judges and justices, and the Senate confirmation process. POSC 202 is helpful but not required. Staff. 4

International Political Economy (POSC-355).  The purpose of this course is to explore theoretical approaches to international politics and economics. The course focuses on U.S. foreign policy in the postwar international system, issues of trade and finance, and the impact these have had on the problems of developing societies. Students should bring some knowledge of basic economic concepts to the course. Analytic reasoning and persuasive argumentation will be emphasized. Pletcher. 4

Foreign Policy Formulation (POSC-358).  This course provides an assessment of the domestic factors responsible for the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. We will examine four categories of internal sources that impact U.S. response to external phenomena. Topics for analysis include: the constitutional separation of powers, bureaucratic politics, the psychology of decision makers, as well as the role of interest groups, public opinion, and the news media in the formulation of foreign policy. Katz. 4

The Conduct of American Foreign Policy (POSC-359).  This course explores the evolution of U.S. foreign policy from the beginning of the Cold War to the present day. The course focuses on the responses of successive American administrations to potential or actual threats to the national interests of the U.S. Emphasis will be placed on the containment doctrine, its application in Vietnam, and subsequent efforts to replace containment following the end of the Vietnam war and the end of the Cold War. Katz. 4

Directed Study (POSC-361).  Directed Studies are undertaken at the initiative of the student and may involve any topic acceptable to the student and an instructor. Written consent. Staff. 1-4

Directed Study (POSC-362).  Directed studies are undertaken at the initiative of the student and may involve any topic acceptable to the student and an instructor. Written consent. Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (POSC-363).  Written consent. Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (POSC-364).  Written consent. Staff. 1-4

Important Problems in the Study of Politics (POSC-370).  This course permits the investigation of significant political problems in considerable depth, and will vary in content according to the interests of the instructor. Staff. 4

Women and Development (POSC-371).  The focus of this course will be on three interrelated issues: (1) the current state of development theory and practice and the ways in which women are included and/or impacted, (2) feminist critiques and approaches to conceptual issues involved in development and specific project implementation, and (3) an evaluation of specific development policies and projects in terms of their impact on women and national development goals. Through the investigation of development theory, development policy and the impacts of specific projects in culturally specific contexts -- primarily sub-Saharan Africa, the Asian sub-continent and Latin America -- students will have the opportunity to grapple with the meanings of development globally, nationally and locally. By focusing on development theory, policy and practice, students will have the chance to look at the opportunities and constraints inherent in the myriad policies and practices known as "development" from multiple perspectives of theorists, practitioners and participants. Ranchod-Nilsson. 4

Advanced Topics in Political Science (POSC-399).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Senior Seminar (POSC-401).  Open to juniors and seniors from all departments with the consent of the instructor. Preference will be given to the Political Science majors. Staff. 4

Senior Seminar (POSC-402).  Open to juniors and seniors from all departments with the consent of the instructor. Preference will be given to the Political Science majors. Staff. 4

Senior Research (POSC-451).  Written consent. Staff. 4

Senior Research (POSC-452).  Written consent. Staff. 4

Honors Project (POSC-461).  Written consent. Staff. 4

Honors Project (POSC-462).  Written consent. Staff. 4